Finnish ambassador: Men should play role in ending violence against women

The Finnish government and representatives of UN Women called upon men, as well as youth, to end gender-based violence at a discussion held in Beijing on February 2.

The session, whose goal was to provide a platform for sharing best practices in tackling gender-based violence, featured representatives from China, Finland, and the UN body dedicated to promoting the welfare of women. 

Jarno Syrjälä, the Finnish ambassador to China said that gender equality was a key approach in his country in reducing this type of violence. 

“It is not just women who should talk about strengthening gender equality,” he said. “Men are important actors who should share the responsibility and participate." 

“Stigma, discrimination, and violence based on gender have prevented both women and men from realizing their full potential,” said Julie Broussard, country programme manager at UN Women, China. “We encourage young people to influence their peers…and taking actions together to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination.” 

Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Justice of Finland

Antti Häkkänen, minister of Justice of Finland, shared his views on possible ways to eliminate gender-based violence and sexual harassment. 

“The youth are the agents of change for the better future and have an important role initiating social changes,” he said. “To prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harassment, we need women and men, girls and boys, to act.”

Representatives are discussing the topic.

Representatives also discussed challenges China faces around implementing anti-domestic-violence laws and interventions for gender-based violence at school.